Masala Times — Restaurant in New York

Masala Time in Greenwich Village near NYU's campus is an absolute gem, and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you're craving a late-night bite with authentic and flavorful Indian street food. What truly sets this place apart is the fact that they’re open till 4 am, which makes it the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal during sehri time—whether you're winding down from a night out or looking for something satisfying in the early morning hours.

The ambiance of Masala Time is warm and welcoming, with an authentic vibe that immediately transports you to the bustling streets of India. It's cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger and savor the diverse offerings on their menu. The best part? Their commitment to serving halal meat options, with the exception of their chicken tikka. This is a huge plus for those of us who are particular about halal food choices, and it's comforting to know that they prioritize quality and integrity in their offerings.

We decided to try a variety of items, starting with the Kathi rolls and box specials. The Kathi rolls were bursting with flavor, each bite offering a perfect balance of spices, tender meats, and fresh ingredients. I particularly enjoyed the Chicken Malai Kathi Roll, which was rich and creamy with a delicate blend of spices that made it incredibly satisfying. The chicken was perfectly cooked and juicy, wrapped in a soft, warm paratha. If you're into grilled meat, the Chicken Malai from the grill is also a must-try. It's marinated to perfection, with smoky flavors and a soft texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Next, we had the Unda Bhurji, which was a flavorful scrambled egg dish with a rich, spiced gravy. The eggs were fluffy and the spices were spot on—just enough heat and flavor to make each bite irresistible. It's a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with naan or any of their bread options. The Paav Bhaji was another standout. This street food classic was well-seasoned, and the mashed vegetable mix had a perfect combination of textures. Paired with the buttered paav (bread), it was a deliciously indulgent treat that I couldn’t get enough of.

The Samosa Chaat was another highlight of our meal. If you’re a fan of chaat, this dish is a must-have! The samosas were crispy, and the combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet chutneys over the crispy pastry created a delightful burst of flavors in every bite. It was a perfect appetizer or snack to share.

What really impressed me about Masala Time was the variety of dishes available. Whether you’re in the mood for something grilled, fried, or comforting, they’ve got you covered. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure our experience was smooth from start to finish. And even though they were serving late into the night, everything was fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared.

In summary, Masala Time is a hidden gem near NYU that offers a wide range of mouth-watering Indian street food. Whether you're there for a late-night snack or a full meal, you can count on the quality of the food and the convenience of their late hours. The Kathi rolls, Unda Bhurji, Chicken Malai, and Samosa Chaat were just a few of the standout items we tried, but everything we had was full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Don’t miss out on this spot—it’s definitely...

If you're looking for some food after late night drinks, or simply looking for some food that's not pizza or a burger, look no further than Masala Times. It's a great alternative to your typical said pizza and burger and it's very affordable for the portion given, especially in this economy.

The space is quite small with about five-ish small tables. Service is very friendly. If you need recommendations, they got you. While you're waiting for your food, they got some signs for you to read to keep you entertained.

Bhel Puri ($9) - a really popular Indian snack made with rice puffs, onions, sev, peanuts, ground nut, cilantro chutney, house made sweet and sour chutney, potatoes, green chillies topped with cilantro.

Spicy Paneer Bhurji Roll ($10) - If you had Kati Roll before, you certainly will love this. You'll only need to order one of these to be full, not three. This particular one consisted of grated cottage cheese simmered & tossed in a medley of onions, bell peppers & spiced tomato sauce wrapped in a paratha (flatbread). They recommended this one of all the Kati Rolls offered.

Chicken Malai Kebab ($17) - I really loved this dish and recommend this if you were to only choose one thing here. They marinate their chicken in sour cream, cream cheese and mild spices for 8-12 hours they said? Idk, but it's for a long time. And first bite of the chicken, it tastes amazing. This is served with onion salad & cilantro chutney. You can choose to get either rice and bread or more Malai Tikka!

Lamb Biryani ($21) - This is your standard Biryani: Basmati rice flavored with exotic spices & saffron, tossed & layered with Lamb and a thick gravy and boiled egg, served with Raita (yogurt sauce) & pickled onions.

Drinks: Mango Lassi ($7) - Always got to get a Mango Lassi when at an Indian shop. They make theirs in house and it's freaking delicious. Thums Up Soda ($3) - This is my first time trying this and it's essentially Coca Cola. Cool to see them offer the Indian branded Cola along with Limca.

Desserts: Ras Malai ($7) - House made soft cottage cheese balls served in chilled creamy cardamom milk. First time having this and I am a fan. Gulaab Jamun ($6) - This is probably my favorite Indian dessert and it's well made here. You get three deep fried balls made of milk, flour, butter and cream, soaked in sugar syrup. The syrup is not overly too...

My experience at Masala Times Restaurant was truly delightful, and I'm excited to share my positive review. The food and service exceeded my expectations, making it a memorable dining experience. Here are some highlights of the dishes we enjoyed:

Pav Bhaji: The Pav Bhaji at Masala Times Restaurant was outstanding! The bhaji was rich, flavorful, and had the perfect balance of spices. The pav was soft and freshly baked, adding to the overall experience. It was undoubtedly one of the best Pav Bhajis I've ever tasted.

Daal Rice: The Daal Rice was simple yet incredibly comforting. The daal was cooked to perfection and had a wonderful blend of flavors. It paired perfectly with the steamed rice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Chicken Roll: The Chicken Roll was a delicious treat. The chicken was tender and succulent, marinated with flavorful spices that made every bite a delight. The roll was well-prepared, and the combination of ingredients was just right.

Friendly and Attentive Service: The staff at Masala Times Restaurant was warm, friendly, and attentive. They were quick to assist us with our orders and provided helpful recommendations. Their hospitality added to the overall positive dining experience.

Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant had a cozy and inviting ambiance, creating a comfortable setting for a relaxed meal. The seating was comfortable, and the overall decor had a charming touch.

Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: It was evident that Masala Times Restaurant prioritized the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients in their dishes. This attention to detail elevated the flavors of each dish and showcased their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience.

Generous Portions: The portions served at Masala Times Restaurant were quite generous, ensuring that we left the restaurant feeling satisfied and content.

Overall, I highly recommend Masala Times Restaurant to anyone looking for a delightful dining experience. The delectable Pav Bhaji, comforting Daal Rice, and flavorful Chicken Roll, combined with the friendly service and cozy ambiance, make it a restaurant worth visiting. I look forward to returning soon to savor more of their...